Love is in the air – at home and in the Homeward Bound Memorial Garden. At home, Mourning Doves on a wire signal their return to the nest they use season after season.
In the Memorial Garden, the Killdeer have returned to the same spot we marked for them last year. Can you spot the egg?
These monogamous birds pair year after year; they share parenting duties, forming strong bonds. We often receive such bonded pairs of dogs at Homeward Bound; we go to extraordinary lengths to place them together. Sometimes, it simply becomes impossible – as was the case with our Brutus and his beloved Sierra.
She was sweetness and grace; all adopters were drawn to her. Her Brutus was of a different class. He was her big, rough and ready guardian; a lovable clod who, through no fault of his own, was never taught the simple basics of civilized behavior.
At some point, we were simply holding her back. Once the decision was made to allow them to separate, she quickly found a forever home. Heartbreaking as it was to break them up, it may turn out to be a blessing in disguise for our friend, Brutus.
With the opportunity to devote one-on-one time to him, he has made amazing progress. Simple things that we take for granted, are giant steps forward for Brutus – like returning a ball instead of eating it…
“look at me” –
and “leave it.”
But these are the things that will help people to see the magic in our boy who just needs a little attention and love.
Breaking up is hard to do. For Brutus, we hope it pays off soon in his very own forever home. One thing we are sure of: he has proven himself both loyal and true.
Gardens For Goldens 
I hope Brutus finds a nice home soon…he looks adorable! 🙂
He is a big, giant teddy bear!
yea…he looks like that!
Brutus looks like so much fun! Love the shot of his tail wagging away as he bounds up with the ball.
He is a love bug. Just needs someone who can devote some time and attention to bring out the perfect dog inside!
Blessings on Brutus and his sweet energy.
Thank you, Catherine!
I love his “smiles” – Great job on the training both for Brutus and Homeward Bound!
Thank you!
How are they both adjusting to their new separate life. So sad, but hopefully they will have time for themselves. He seemed to always be watching out for her. They had a hard life being parents – right? Maggie wishes them the best. Please keep us updated.
They bred many litters and my understanding is that they were kept outside. Thus, the need for one-on-one. He was so focused on her, that it was difficult to provide that. It’s sad to break them up, but they may both be more successful that way. Maybe they can visit someday at the Reunion Picnic! ❤ Wouldn't that be sweet?
Oh, yes it would be great if they could visit once in awhile.
So hard to split them up but it sounds like you have made the right decision. I’m sure Brutus will get adopted out far sooner, now that you can help him with the basics. He really is a lovely looking dog.
That’s the hope…and he is making great progress now that his focus is on us, and not sweet Sierra.
Animals can have learning issues too. Brutus just needed individualized instruction to learn at his own pace.
We recently acquired a cat that has Hyper Active Chaotic Attention Disorder. 🙂
Funny! Yes…a little individualized attention has made all the difference for him! 🙂